Nursing Elites

1. A client is being taught how to use crutches by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Place weight on the underarms.
• B. Keep the elbows extended when walking.
• C. Support your weight on your hands.
• D. Hold the crutches 10 cm in front of you when standing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Support your weight on your hands.' When using crutches, it is important to support your weight on your hands rather than underarms to prevent injury to the axillary nerves and blood vessels. Placing weight on the underarms can lead to nerve damage and circulatory issues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Keeping the elbows extended when walking is important for stability, holding the crutches slightly in front of you allows for proper balance, and supporting weight on the hands maintains the correct weight-bearing position.

2. A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born vaginally with vacuum extractor assistance. The nurse notes swelling over the newborn's head that crosses the suture line. The nurse should identify the swelling as which of the following findings?

• A. Nevus simplex
• B. Caput succedaneum
• C. Cephalohematoma
• D. Erythema toxicum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Caput succedaneum is the correct answer. It is the swelling of the soft tissues of the head that crosses suture lines, often resulting from pressure during delivery, especially with vacuum extraction. Nevus simplex (Choice A) is a pink or red birthmark that is flat and usually fades on its own. Cephalohematoma (Choice C) is a collection of blood between a baby's skull and the periosteum, often caused by birth trauma. Erythema toxicum (Choice D) is a common rash in newborns that is benign and typically resolves on its own. In this case, the description of swelling over the newborn's head crossing the suture line is characteristic of caput succedaneum, which is a common finding in newborns after vaginal delivery.

3. A healthcare professional is assessing a client for signs of hypoglycemia. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional look for?

• A. Increased thirst
• B. Fatigue
• C. Weight gain
• D. Elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fatigue. Fatigue, along with symptoms like shakiness and irritability, are common signs of hypoglycemia. Increased thirst (Choice A) is more indicative of hyperglycemia. Weight gain (Choice C) is not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Elevated blood pressure (Choice D) is not a common sign of hypoglycemia.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following findings as an indication of magnesium toxicity?

• A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• B. Elevated blood pressure
• C. Increased urinary output
• D. Hyperreflexia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased deep tendon reflexes. Magnesium sulfate toxicity can lead to diminished deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression, and decreased urine output. Diminished deep tendon reflexes are an early sign of magnesium toxicity and indicate the need to discontinue the infusion. Elevated blood pressure (choice B) is not typically associated with magnesium toxicity. Increased urinary output (choice C) is also not a common finding in magnesium toxicity. Hyperreflexia (choice D) is not consistent with the expected findings of magnesium toxicity, which typically causes decreased reflexes.

5. A client has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take the medication at bedtime
• B. Monitor your blood glucose level before each meal
• C. Stop taking the medication if you develop muscle pain
• D. You may experience diarrhea with this medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'You may experience diarrhea with this medication.' Diarrhea is a common side effect of metformin, particularly when initiating the medication. It is important for clients to be aware of this potential side effect. Option A is incorrect because metformin is usually taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Option B is not directly related to metformin use. Option C is incorrect as muscle pain is not a common side effect of metformin and does not warrant stopping the medication.

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